The Honda Elevate has arrived to stake its claim in India’s fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, and the 2025 model brings a blend of design, comfort and technology that makes it stand out. Built by Honda with a sharp focus on quality, reliability and driving experience, the Elevate 2025 offers the sort of package many buyers are looking for: a high‐riding SUV feel, a trusted brand name, a spacious interior and modern features. With key rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara running strong, Honda has to bring something compelling — and the Elevate 2025 is that attempt.
Exterior Design & Presence
From the outside, the Elevate 2025 delivers a bold appearance. Its stance is elevated, giving good visibility and a commanding view of the road. The front fascia features clean lines and a crisp headlamp design, combined with LED DRLs and a well‐balanced grille. With a ground clearance of about 220 mm, the SUV handles the typical rough patches of Indian roads with confidence. The alloy wheels, muscular wheel arches and robust body cladding all contribute to the rugged‐yet‐premium look. What the Elevate avoids is overly flashy styling; instead it projects a mature SUV look that aims to appeal to families and executives alike.
Interior, Comfort & Features
Step inside the Honda Elevate 2025 and the cabin impresses with quality and space. Honda has used materials and trims that elevate the feel well beyond many rivals in its class. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with a large touch screen system and well-placed controls. The rear seats provide ample headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable option for both city runs and longer drives. Boot space is generous, adding to the overall practicality of the vehicle. When it comes to features, the 2025 Elevate comes equipped with key offerings: touchscreen infotainment supporting smartphone connectivity, a digital‐analogue instrument cluster, rear AC vents, and multiple storage spaces. Higher trims bring extras like premium upholstery, ambient lighting, and other creature comforts designed to deliver a more refined experience.
Engine, Performance & Efficiency
Powering the Elevate 2025 is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine producing around 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is offered with a six‐speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic. The performance is geared toward smoothness and usability rather than outright sportiness; the emphasis is on refined driving, comfortable city commuting and adequate highway ability. In terms of fuel efficiency, the manual version is claimed to deliver about 15.3 km/l, while the CVT version returns around 16.9 km/l in ARAI tests. While those numbers don’t break class records, they are respectable given the SUV stance, build and equipment. Honda has confirmed that a hybrid version is not available immediately, but an EV version is expected in the 2025-26 timeframe. For now, the Elevate sticks with the petrol unit, and its refinement and reliability remain core strengths.
Ride Quality & Driving Experience
On the road, the Elevate 2025 delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The high ground clearance allows it to absorb uneven road surfaces, and the suspension tuning balances comfort with stability. The steering feels light in city traffic yet confident at speed, and overall the driving experience is one of trust and control. While it may not match the outright handling sharpness of some sport-oriented SUVs, the Elevate prioritises comfort, value and usability — exactly what many Indian buyers seek. The build quality, cabin insulation, and refinement underscore Honda’s promise of durability.
Safety & Technology
Safety is a key component of the Elevate’s appeal. Honda has equipped it with six airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. On the technology front, the top variants include Honda’s connected services, larger infotainment screens, surround‐view camera systems, ambient lighting and premium finishes. A special limited edition “Apex Summer Edition” introduced in 2025 brings features like a surround-view 360° camera and enhanced interior accents at a competitive price point. Honda aims to build on its reputation for reliability by delivering a well-rounded safety and tech package.
Price & Variants (India)
Here’s a snapshot of expected pricing for the Honda Elevate 2025 in India:
| Variant | Transmission | Expected Ex-Showroom Price (₹ Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|
| SV MT | Manual | ~ 11.91 |
| V MT | Manual | ~ 12.39 |
| V CVT | CVT | ~ 13.59 |
| VX MT/CVT | Manual / CVT | ~ 14.10 / ~ 15.30 |
| ZX MT/CVT | Manual / CVT | ~ 15.51 / ~ 16.73 |
Note: These are ex-showroom estimates and actual on-road prices will vary depending on city, taxes and variant. Honda has also introduced special editions and price cuts in 2025 that offer additional value to buyers.
What Makes It Worth Considering
The Honda Elevate 2025 ticks many boxes for buyers seeking a well-rounded SUV. It offers brand reliability, strong build quality, ample space, solid engine performance, and a premium feel without a price tag that pushes into luxury territory. The large boot space, high seating position, and comfortable rear seats make it family-friendly, while the exterior and interior styling ensure it remains modern and relevant. Moreover, Honda’s after-sales network and service reputation add peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Caveats & Things to Consider
While the Elevate 2025 brings much to the table, there are a few points to keep in mind. Firstly, the lack of a hybrid or diesel option might deter buyers looking for maximum fuel efficiency or very low running costs. Secondly, while the feature list is strong, some rivals offer more “wow” features (like larger panoramic sunroofs or fully digital dashboards) at similar prices. Finally, waiting times and discounts vary widely across regions, so buyers should check offers and delivery timelines carefully.
Conclusion
In summary, the Honda Elevate 2025 stands out as a mature, refined and trustworthy compact SUV that places value, reliability and everyday usability at the forefront. It may not be the flashiest vehicle in its class, but for buyers who prioritise substance over show, the Elevate delivers in spades. With Honda’s brand strength behind it, a comfortable ride experience and solid equipment, the Elevate 2025 is a compelling choice in the Indian mid-SUV marketplace.